Travelers trying to stretch their dollar farther can earn free-night stays faster at a bed and breakfast. We put this to the test:

10 Times Faster Rewards than Marriott

We called Marriott Rewards and created a scenario of what it would take to get a reward. If we stayed at Marriott Suites in a $209 room type we would generate 627 points. It takes 7,500 points to get a free night at the lowest level on the 7 levels of Marriott properties. So at the rate of 627 points per night it would take us approximately 11.9 nights at $209 per night resulting in an expense of $2,500 to get one night free.

Compare this to earning a free-night stay at bed and breakfasts across the country. And while we’re at it let’s look at a few other additional values. A good bed and breakfast is tough to beat when it comes down to uniqueness, the bang for your buck, and guest pampering. And if you are interested in stretching that travel dollar more, here are a couple things to consider:

Across the nation, more than 1,500 B&B inns will give guests a free second-night stay with the purchase of the first night. They do this for a simple reason. They want exposure for their property. The typical bed and breakfast doesn’t have the large advertising budget that a standard hotel does. So, they look to earn word-of-mouth exposure and added promotion through this popular program.

The website iLoveinns.com offers this Buy-One-Night-Get-The-Second-Night-Free program. The typical amount a traveler can save is $140, but the savings can be much more. Compare this to the nearly 12 nights you have to purchase at a Marriott in order to get your free night or even their lesser promotions like a $25 coupon for gas.

The amount you save, of course, varies depending on the property and room you choose in the free night program. You can save up to $650 and it’s an immediate savings, not something you have to wait for weeks or months to earn.

You can save even more when you take into consideration your meal expense. The bed and breakfast, after all, comes with breakfast. But many inns also take it a step further an offer various free business services and such items as free drinks or snacks (and not with a mini-bar price).

Money and Memories Go Further with Bed and Breakfast Trips

Understanding that you can stretch your dollar further at a bed and breakfast, let’s look at a California bed and breakfast, this Craftsman-style B&B in the heart of Monterey Peninsula — the Inn at Seventeen Mile Drive.

Choose from rooms with views of the sea or garden in the main house of this three-building bed and breakfast. Or, enjoy the oak and redwoods in the chalet and cottage rooms. Unwind in the spa beneath the towering trees or the gardens whose guests also include the occasional deer and monarch butterfly. Maybe sip some champagne near the fountains and koi ponds. With the Buy-One-Night-Get-One-Night-Free program, guests will save anywhere from $145 to $290 at this lovely property.

A great value to go with a great experience. So, next time you are looking to compile some free-night stay rewards consider an alternative to the hotel chains. It’s a tremendous value.